By Jeannen Hobbs, contributing writer
According to Ronnie Harrison, assistant professor of educational administration and assistant chair of the Department of Teacher Education, the key to a fulfilling life starts when you open the door to passion. A self-proclaimed eternal learner, his actions are marked by an enthusiasm for teaching and a zeal for learning. His passion for education can be seen in his teaching, community involvement, and family life.
Before joining the faculty at Augusta State in 2002, he worked in the Richmond County school system for 31 years as both a middle school principal and teacher. Following his retirement, an adjunct position opened at the university; he applied, and the ASU journey began. He says he is happy to be a part of the ASU faculty.
He gives his students the same advice that has guided his life: “If teachers show passion for the subject they are teaching, students will see and form their own passions,” he says.
The Augusta native is heavily involved in his church and in the community, volunteering his time at the Art Factory, a nonprofit organization that offers instruction to local children in dance, theatre, music, and the visual arts. The Art Factory holds classes and workshops, and Mr. Harrison is there whenever needed, and although he is not a dancer, he says he helps with the organization’s other projects as well.
When Mr. Harrison is not teaching and making the community a better place, he is spending time with his family. He has been married for 27 years, has three daughters, and two grandchildren. He says he loves his daughters, but that it’s his grandchildren who tug at his heart.
Mr. Harrison received his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University and his master’s and specialist in education degrees from Augusta State.
Name: Ronnie Harrison
Position: assistant professor of educational administration and assistant chair of the Department of Teacher Education
How long at ASU: 7 years
Hobbies: reading, gardening, cooking, and visual art
Dec 22, 2009
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